I suggest you read Will's piece below, as he brings up an excellent point about how reporting on the trade deadline is about having contacts and talking to as many people in the know to find out what is happening. I've been reading Will's Mill at BP the past week and the whole subject of who might go where is tantalizing for my brain. Many bloggers rip actual reporters, but they are the people that bring us the news that we comment on. Considering that Will started on the internet, but puts on his reporter's cap more than most newspaper writers, he is the guy who seems to be the bridge between the two.

Having said this, let me mention that Will, Gammons, Rosenthal, etc. overall efforts on the trade subject were about as fulfilling as my first girlfriend. A lot of hard work for very little payout. I guess we shouldn't have expected too much, considering the one team who had the most players wanted by the teams in contention, the Devil Rays, has an aversion to making deals.

GM Chuck LaMar reminds me of my childhood friend, Brian Andersen. I used to invite Brian over with a couple of other friends to trade baseball cards and I'm not sure I ever actually completed a trade with the guy. Brian overrated all his players. I would offer up a Jim Palmer for a Tom Seaver, to which Brian countered with, "if you would throw-in Catfish Hunter, it's a deal." You think this is an exaggerated comparison, well look at this from Will's Mill "(T)he Twins also reportedly inquired about Aubrey Huff, but stopped when the Rays asked for Justin Morneau." Hey LaMar, guess what, eventually Brian Andersen stopped being invited to our trading sessions, as it wasn't worth the aggravation. I know Devil Rays' fans have taken you off their RSVP list. (I'm making an assumption, since I'm not sure there are actual Devil Rays' fans.)

I've been away from these parts for the last week and owe a bit of an explanation. Coming in to bitch doesn't count. I put up novel-length word counts between UTK, Will's Mill, and some guest posts here and there. It left me with nothing to say outside of that, both due to mental and physical exhaustion. I've been calling, typing, and digging rather than pondering baseball or music ... or anything.

I'm left with an odd thought after reading the various tributes to Peter Gammons over the last few days. I've had the pleasure of meeting Peter on a couple occasions and talk with him a few more times than that. Now, I hear his voice when I read his pieces, even when they're from years ago. It's actually the same way for most things now, when I've had the chance to meet many of my favorite writers (or at least talk on the phone, in the case of Rob Neyer.) Somehow, it's a more personal experience for me and I find myself enjoying it more and more, reading more and more from people I know.

I'm a bit worried that eventually, it will close my circle, so I work to make sure I'm not missing a good new voice or locking out a venue I might not normally check. Some of the best beat writers are at "secondary" newspapers or even some of the newer outlets like radio stations, weeklies, and TV-associated websites. Add in blogs and I'm sure to always be finding new ones, even if I don't yet hear the voices.

The really odd thing though is reading my own stuff. I hear it in Tom Waits' voice. No idea what that means.

Legendary blogger TFD had some great music ideas he sent to us, recently, so here is the first in a continuing series.

TFD chose Billy Joel's The Stranger as the best album cover of all-time.

TFD: "This cover really represented a point where I first realized that there was something behind these covers – a purpose. The simplicity, darkness, slant of the face, and boxing glove still linger."

Scott's Top 10

Achtung Baby and War- U2

"Achtung Baby" is my favorite cover of all-time, with its mix of black and white and color photos creating a great collage which hinted at the new sound inside. The face of the boy in "War" powerfully shows the mixture of innocence and anger that being young on the streets of Belfast was like circa 1983. U2 has had great covers on almost all of their releases.

Sticky Fingers and Some Girls- The Rolling Stones

In 1971, rock and roll was seen as just another part of the artscene, with Andy Warhol designing the zipper cover to "Sticky Fingers". Another great inventive cover was the Stones in drag, using a cut-out cover on "Some Girls". By the way, "Exile on Main Street" falls just off this list.

Meet the Beatles and Sgt. Pepper's- The Beatles

Bands today are still trying to look as Mod as the "Meet the Beatles" cover demonstrates. "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" is a part modern art piece, part psychedelic trip, but still hasn't been topped in today's world of photoshop.

Honey- Ohio Players
Country Life- Roxy Music

These two are the sexiest covers in rock music history. I can remember being an 10 year-old boy in a small-town in Iowa, perusing the albums of my local department store, looking at Ohio Players records. I had no idea of what was inside the covers, as there was no funk in Newton, Iowa, but the beautiful bodies of the Ohio Players' models made me want to learn. Take me on a "Love Rollercoaster".

London Calling- The Clash

Echoing the great self-titled Elvis Presley cover of 1956, the "London Calling" cover says rock and roll more than any other.

Cheap Thrills- Big Brother and the Holding Company

I've never cared for Janis Joplin or her hippie jam band, but the great R. Crumb's comic strip art puts it on my list.

Honorable/Dishonorable Mention

Get Lucky- Loverboy
All the Eddie covers- Iron Maiden
Holy Diver- Dio
Blackout and Animal Magnetism- Scorpions

I'm not sure these are good or bad album covers, but they are all memorable to me. Crossed fingers in front of red leather pants, which singer Mike Reno's bloated carcass couldn't even fit an ankle in anymore. Freakish zombie-like monster named Eddie who becomes a band's mascot. An animal-headed devil, unleashing a long chain wrapping around a drowning priest. Holy Diver indeed. Finally, the "Blackout" cover with forks in the eyes of the straight-jacketed whackjob says Heavy Metal more than anything I've seen, while "Animal Magnetism" sports a misogynistic cover that is more ridiculous than anything Spinal Tap ever thought of.

I will be in Baltimore Saturday and Sunday and wanted to know if any of our readers/lurkers want to catch a game at Camden either day? I would prefer to go to the Saturday day game, but if I can't find someone to go to that one, I will go to the Sunday night game. Send me an email at scott@scottlongonline, if you are up for it. Oh and by the way, I will be rooting for the White Sox, so I might need someone to have my back.

I've been counting down the days until it would happen and now less than 72 hours before the trading deadline, the Padres having lost 9 of their last 10 games, sitting atop the NL West with a .500 record. Before the season I commented on how bad the division was, but I figured the Dodgers would slide by the Padres with about 85 wins. Now I'm hoping that the Padres become the first full-season team to win their division with a losing record, as that will just put into larger focus how bad the National League is in 2005.

While I don't think the NL West 2005 champ will be able to "top" 1994's strike-shortened AL West champ Texas Rangers winning percentage of .456, I do think they have a decent opportunity to "best" the 1994 Dodgers .509 percentage for worst first place record in NL West history.

The real number to keep an eye on is the 1973 New York Mets, who won the NL East with a 82-79 mark. In truth, they might have been the most "Miracle Mets", as they barely were over .500, but beat the Big Red Machine in the NL Championship series and then almost knocked off another of the great teams of all-time, the Oakland A's, losing in the 7th game. So NL West, even if you finish with a record below .500, remember, "Ya Gotta Believe" it's still possible to be World Champs!

My email box often has something drop in like this:

"I used to read your blog, but then you went off on (music/tv/film/girls/etc) and I don't care. Get back to talking baseball!"

Umm. No.

(One line paragraphs. Starting to look like Plaschke.)

Here's why no: If you want baseball, there's several other sites here on the Toaster that do great baseball-specific content. If you want baseball from ME, may I suggest checking out Baseball Prospectus? I'm doing constantly updated trade rumors in "Will's Mill", have the only daily injury column on the web with "Under The Knife", do the top-rated weekly radio/podcast "Baseball Prospectus Radio", and I fill in from time to time on "Prospectus Notebook".

I might talk about baseball here. Scott might. Heck, even our new intern has the chops to do so from time to time. But don't expect it. Expect the unexpected. This blog is about a bunch of people that love baseball, but also have other interests. All of us - writers, readers, colleagues - hold a lot of things in common. Baseball is clearly the central connection, the true passion that drives us all, but any passion can turn into an unhealthy obsession. (And by unhealthy, I'm not talking about the RAGING carpal tunnel I'm dealing with now.)

You might like this place. You might dig us talking about music or girls or ranting about internet connectivity. You might pick out your next gadget, you might learn about the White Sox, or you might just waste a couple minutes. That's what you get here. Plus the occasional baseball.

Your mileage may vary.

You could say we have been a little slow putting up links, but as you can see, I've finally done it, after never getting around to it here or at Will Carroll Presents. (Wow, it seems so long ago since I brought up our old address.) Will has been busy covering the baseball trade rumormill at Baseball Prospectus, (check out his great stuff) but says he will be getting his up in the next couple of weeks.

Wanted to mention a few things in regards to my links. You will notice that there are no pure baseball links listed. I will be putting them up later when Will lists his. In the meantime, if you are looking for baseball links, go to almost any of the other Toaster sites and you can find a large list of them.

The first section is magazines I subscribe to, which I listed, as I think it gives you an idea of my interests. I plan on doing a post on magazines soon, as I'm an addict to periodicals. Next listed are 4 of my favorite comedians, who just happen to be good friends of mine, also. (another post in the future will get in more depth on comics) Other sports sites focuses on college basketball, except for Northcoast Sports, as the best non-baseball blogs are in this category. Entertainment Sites has 4 sites that I think are superior in what they offer.

Finally, let me get to my category, Not XXX--But Not Suitable For Work. (YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!) I tried to pick links that you might not have ever checked out, but have some really interesting, albeit twisted material. Asylum Ecletica is beyond dark. Daily BS is a site by Nkrumah Shabazz Steward, some cat who's got a lot to say, if you like it or not. Disinformation is another site where you might not agree with what is offered, but definitely offers thoughts not shared by other news outlets. Jesus of the Week will set you off a blasephemous fit of hilarity. (Check out Johnny Damon 3- "Curt Schilling ankle stigmata") Rog Reviews the porn movies better than all cummers, plus great interviews. Rotten.com lives up to it's name, as it's a car wreck on the side of the road, while its library section helps you out with all the term paper info you need, if your professor is Marilyn Manson. The Superficial is just raunchy enough to create interest in celebrity gossip for a perverted psuedo-intellectual like myself. Weird Sex News is exactly what the title says. Why HBO doesn't have a weekly broadcast with reporters "fleshing" out these stories is a wonder to me.

Hopefully you will gain something from these sites, as one of the greatest elements of the internet is presenting material and thoughts that don't appear on network or cable television. I would be interested in any other unique, but fairly unknown sites I might not have listed. Please help me on this quest.

I love my iPod, no doubt about it. It's the first device where I've gone two years without seeing a feature I'd want to add. More space? Eh, I have 5000 songs now. Longer battery life? Sure, but I've seldom been in a situation where it's been a problem. Shuffle? Ok, yeah, I bought one and quickly found out that I use the two devices very differently. A shuffle is like a personal radio station - turn it on and listen - where the normal iPod is a real choice/player.

So would I switch? This device is the first one that's made me seriously consider it. It would take about a month to change all my music from AAC format to MP3 and I'd lose some quality, but I think I could live with that. My pocket space wouldn't change appreciably and I'd add a function, one I already use and love. If they price it right AND get the usability in the iPod's ballpark, I'll certainly have to consider it.

Apple, it's your move.

**UPDATE** I spoke to soon. The gang at Engadget note that this device isn't a pocket-spacesaver. It's XM enabled, meaning you still need to have an extra tuner and antenna attached. That isn't enough, at least for me. Combine my iPod and a MyFi with better reception and we've got a deal.

The music business is mired in sameness (and payola, but that's for a different post.) so why am I listening to some music that can easily be described in terms of its comparables? Simple - similarity is not necessarily a bad thing. The fact that an A&R can run back and say "this band sounds just like ________" simply makes it more likely to be a positive in signing, assuming that you fill in the blanks with a commercially viable act.

Blue Merle can fill in the blank easily. Even a quick listen will immediately draw Coldplay comparisons. Luke Reynolds sounds amazingly like Chris Martin and the band's sound recalls what Coldplay would sound like if Martin and the boys had grown up in Nashville. Replace Coldplay's piano with dreamy string arrangements and a mandolin seemingly lifted from Nickel Creek and you can almost hear Blue Merle. Now that the stew's ingredients are laid out, the band's first album "Burning In The Sun" comes out as something more than the sum of its parts. Songs like "Lucky To Know You" and the title track are nearly as soaring as anything on X&Y while others have a country/bluegrass edge that is as longing as recent Allison Krauss. After seeing Coldplay sing with Richard Ashcroft at Live 8, a song named "Bittersweet Memory" seems calculated, but in a perfect world, that song would be on the charts.

James Blunt is getting a lot of play in the UK now and there are immediate comparisons to Damien Rice. Rice's sublime "O" may be one of my favorite albums of all time so that's high praise. Blunt isn't as cinematic or sweeping as anything in Rice's catalog. He relies more on his high tenor, twisted lyrics, and more of a pop sound to convey what he's trying to get across. Blunt's album is good on its own, yet it's also the type of album that makes me really excited about the next one. A little bit more maturity and polish makes Blunt one to watch.

Fall Out Boy sounds like every other emo band in the world. On the first listen, that is. A couple more plays and you'll hear the little extras they hide behind the snarky song titles and conventions of the genre. Their lyrics are just a little bit smarter, their music just a little bit tighter, and each song has a little bit extra that pushes the band as a whole from good to great. They stand with Alkaline Trio and My Chemical Romance as bands that will likely break out of the bounds of emo, but Fall Out Boy - already getting MTV action somehow - are the ones that are likely to make the best music.

Of course, sameness isn't everything. Try explaining the sound of Oingo Boingo to someone and you'll find yourself at a standstill. XM had a great interview with Danny Elfman on their "Cinemagic" station (one of my favorites) discussing his film scores, bringing me back to his early work. Given hindsight, one can certainly hear echoes of his "Batman" and "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" scores in Oingo Boingo's work. If someone saw "Sommersby" coming, let me know. It ranks with the best of modern film scores.

Next to maybe grass and sky, nothing pockmarks the landscape of our country more than McDonalds "restaurants". The newest product that the company is touting on every billboard and sign surrounding their stores is called a Fruit and Walnut Salad. McDonalds touts their new product claiming it will give you a "fruit buzz". Has there ever been a more transparent promotion of a product? We all know that no one goes to McDonald's to eat an apple, red grape and candied walnut salad.

So why make such a massive push to promote a product that absolutely no one is going to eat? Well, it's part of McDonald's strategy of fighting back against the critics who claim they are poisoning America. After a movie like "Super Size Me", which painted them in a horrible light, McDonald's dropped the super size element of their business model. To follow that up on their PR crusade, you can now get a fruit buzz, for only $2.99. Uh, considering that you can get a Double Cheeseburger Combo buzz for the about the same price, I just have a hard time believing that this Fruit Walnut Salad is much more than a superficial panacea for what McDonalds is really all about.

All the fast food restaurants are worried that they are going to continue to face lawsuits from people blaming their obesity on the evil grease dealers. While I do think that there should be some limits put on advertising unhealthy food during kids programming, adults should be able to deal with their freedom of choice. We all know the obese guy who sues McDonald's is the same guy who was at the counter prior to the lawsuit, saying "I need a shake, I need some fries, I need....."
Uh what you need is some personal responsibility.
(NOTE: Adult Language content below the fold)

Continue reading...

If you missed this story, here is quick breakdown of what happened.

A Dunbar man, Mark Reed Downs Jr., is accused of offering to pay a 7-year-old boy $25 to injure an autistic 8-year-old teammate before a June 27 game so the older boy would be unable to play the league minimum of three innings, according to state police at Uniontown.
The 8-year-old boy was hit by two throws from the other player prior to a game, police said. He was treated at The Uniontown Hospital and released the same day after a baseball hit him behind his left ear and in the groin, police said.

Maybe I'm extra sensitive to this story, as my daughter suffers from learning disabilities, but this scumbag is a real piece of shite. Personally, I think a fair punishment would be for this classless douche to get the same treatment he inflicted on the boy, with Randy Johnson being the one to deliver it. (Big Unit circa 1998)
Coach Mark suffers from a Downs syndrome that he was not born with, but developed on his own.

New and Improved my ASS! This is what I say to the change in formula to my drink of choice the past few years, Pepsi One. I'm not sure when it happened, but around the beginning of the year, Pepsi One changed the design of their can (from silver to black). Nowhere on the can did it say they had changed the flavor, but all it took was one swig to know it wasn't the same.

My soda history is that I grew up drinking Coca-cola from a glass bottle. For those of you that have been deprived of this, it's the best way to drink cola, much like beer is better from a bottle. Around 1991, bottles started to become scarce, so it was either cans or 2 liter bottles, as options. Since this was also the time I knew I needed to cut some calories, I used this change to start drinking diet soda. Diet Coke has always had a strange aftertaste, so I switched to the (Diet) Pepsi generation. When Pepsi One hit the stores in the late 90's, I tried it and it became my carbonated beverage of choice. Much like when Coke introduced New Coke and at the same time, took Classic Coke off the shelves, Pepsi One's change for the worse, left me in a predicament.

I went back to Diet Pepsi the past few months and then last week, tried a new product called Coke Zero. Well guess what, this soda maven is back on the Coke payroll. I highly recommend Coke Zero and Sprite Zero, as they are the best diet drinks I've tasted, as their aftertaste is nearly non-existent.

So that's what happening to me in my exciting life. Look for in the future, my tale of how my favorite cereal, Cinnamon Life, changed it flavor formula a couple of years ago, and I haven't been able to eat it since.

I'm going to talk about two tech problems I'm having. Some is just venting, but there's an honest problem here, one that I think is important. Earlier in life, I worked in customer service. I loved the job though I understand why most people hate it. I like fixing things, which is probably why I like gadgets.

I've detailed my ongoing problems with Comcast for a while now and once again, it's back. Here's a quick summary:

1. For a couple years, everything worked. There were occasional outages, but that's ok. Part of the deal.
2. Comcast "upgraded" their network. Something happened here.
3. My recently added phone service (VOIP) stopped working. Just stopped.
3a. Comcast was set to come out and fix it. They call ahead. Instead of calling my cell, they call the broken phone number. When no one answered, they cancelled the service call.
3b. They do this AGAIN. I'm now two weeks without phone service and even with my cell plan, I'm nearly a hundred bucks over.
3c. They get a technician out who can't fix the problem. They schedule a senior technician, who'll be there in a week.
3d. The senior tech can't fix the problem either, so we dump the phone service and go back to landline.
3e. It takes two weeks for Comcast to release the number, according to SBC. Comcast denies this. Finally, I'm more or less back to normal, but now my wireless router doesn't work.
3f. The modem, designed for VOIP, doesn't like my router now that I don't have VOIP. Suuuure.
4. Here's the fun one: they send a tech to swap the modem. Not only doesn't he bring a modem, he's never seen a Mac. I literally have to explain twice that it's not a PC and doesn't run Windows. "What version of Windows are you running?" he asks again. I had him leave.
4a. Another tech comes out, this one with a clue. He realizes what the problem is, swaps out the modem, and calls in to activate it. HIS tech support screams at him over Nextel and I can hear them cursing. Three hours of his hard work gets something easy done and things work again.
5. Two fine weeks pass. All works. Wireless is good. Zap. Bad weather in Indy makes me think lightning struck, knocking out the modem and router. Both refuse to power up. Oddly, my TV and Mac, both on the same cable, are fine.
5a. Comcast offers to let me install the new modem myself. Fine. I can do that. I pick it up and install according to instructions. Nothing.
5b. I call for help, the guy talks me through it and says he'll call me back rather than leaving me on hold to activate it. Cool.
5c. Not cool. He never calls back. Three hours later, I call. No activation. No ticket. No nothing. A woman does the activation. Nothing. An hour later, she forces me to reboot for the fifth time and take the new router out of line. It works at what amounts to dial up speed - "98% packet loss" - but only without the router, meaning no wireless, no connected Tivo. (And yes, the router worked. Tivo found it with no prob, as did my iBook.)
5d. Another tech visit - my eighth, I think, this year - comes NEXT MONDAY. Luckily, I'll be moving soon, out of the service area. It's almost enough to make me switch to DSL, even for just a month, in hopes that it would simply work.

On the other hand, I'm also dealing with a problem getting files I downloaded to play in my DVD player. It's supposed to play DIVX files and I made sure these were DIVX files. I even paid for the DIVX software to make sure. They don't. Now, downloading TV shows off the net isn't something I expect customer support for. When it doesn't work, I look for info and hope that it does, but otherwise, I'll just watch on the iBook and I'm better off than I would be just missing this show.

The difference here is in the expectations that are set. Cable TV - especially when they offer phone service - is stepping into the territory of utility. I pay the bill and it should just work. Just work. I don't care about incompatibilities, protocols, or upgrades. I pay the bill and want it to work. If my power goes off and I can't get a service call for a week, there's going to be hell to pay. There are laws in place to prevent this type of thing from occurring. For cable TV, once a luxury and now near ubiquitous, they need to understand that there are options. I could buy a Dish, order DSL, or go to only cell service for my phone. My DVD player and downloaded files are pure luxury, a lagniappe that I hope works, but I'm no worse off if they don't.

If you can't be a utility, don't. I'm not the one that set the expectation.

Direct TV just had their post-All-star game free preview the past week, so I got a chance to watch some teams I generally don't see much of. Since I was unfortunate enough to choose the Dodgers to win the NL West, I tried to focus on them, to see what has happened. Of course, being a regular of reader of Under the Knife (written by the imcomparable Will Carroll) I'm aware that the Dodgers have suffered so many injuries you would think the players worked at a meat packing plant, but even keeping this in mind, the Dodger's dullness is stultifying.

Actually, take away Gagne and the 2004 version of Beltre and the Dodgers have been this boring for the past 5 years. Outside of Jeff Kent, the starting lineup is filled with players that even Matthew Lesko couldn't get excited about. I'm shocked that Vin Scully doesn't nod off, ala Jack Brickhouse, when calling the game. So here is my question to Dodger fans. How is it that you can keep your passion for this team? Please explain, because the Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles are about as exciting as the NBA regular season.
Discuss.

OK, I've been reticent as a White Sox fan to recommend any trade, as the magical season continues to be in full swing, but...........
when it was announced that Joe Crede has 2 herniated discs in his back and that you just don't know what you're getting with Contreas and El Duque, Lowell and Burnett might be the difference between the playoffs and world championship. The White Sox have some prospects and have some financial room, so maybe it makes some sense. Let's be honest, when you haven't won a World Series since 1917 and haven't even played in one since 1959, it's something you have to be aggressive about.

The most worrisome element to the deal would be trading a top prospect to do this. Considering that last year, Jeremy Reed was seen by some as a future hall of famer and that these same experts graded the Freddy Garcia deal as a bust for Chicago, maybe prospects need to have some of the shimmer taken off of them. The White Sox have traded a lot of minor leaguers over the past 5 years and not one of them would be starting for the current Sox team. Too many of us treat minor-leaguers we've never seen as all-stars. Could you imagine how a player of AJ Burnett's talent would be perceived, if he was in Triple A? Star prospects are like new cars; as soon as they are off the lot, their worth seems to quickly devalue.

I think we should all keep this in mind when the trade deadline is happening. You see, when your last World Championship was 1917, you might have to roll the dice in looking for the starting pitcher who can make like Doyle Alexander or Rick Sutcliffe, even if it means giving up a future star. I'm just happy the White Sox aren't in the market for a relief pitcher, because there is nothing redeeming to say for Larry Andersen or Heathcliff Slocumb.

Over the next couple weeks, I'll be filing a lot of short reports to do with the trading deadline here. I'll be honest with you - not all of them will pan out. It's the nature of the beast that some things happen, some things don't, and unless I hit one of those few occasions when both sides will tell me of a deal in the works, it won't be authoritative. I will do my best to be as accurate as possible.

The A.J. Burnett deal is heating up. Texas appears to be out and Toronto is a longer shot than previous. Baltimore upped their offer, meaning they may have added Hayden Penn to the mix or, more likely, are willing to take on not only Mike Lowell (who the Twins can't afford) but Juan Encarnacion. That would be a bold move for the Orioles. This trade will happen sooner than later, assuming it happens.

Two different front offices have been working on prying Aubrey Huff loose. Both are sick of trying to make a deal with the Devil Rays. The Rays may also miss out on a chance to move Denys Baez now that the D-Backs are scouting Shingo Takatsu. The Sox aren't asking for one of the elite prospects in return, as the Rays did.

The Reds are waiting for offers on Joe Randa. Minnesota and San Diego figure to be the bidders based on need, but neither is very excited about the idea of giving up much for Randa. San Diego doesn't really need him if they're willing to push Mark Loretta to third and Minnesota is fundamentally resistant to dealing its prospects.

When Jack McKeon is fired, expect Tony Perez to step in. Perez deserves another shot at managing.

For those that doubted Zach Duke, well, quit doubting. The kid is real. His emergence - and several options including Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny, make Mark Redman and Kip Wells available. Redman is being watched by the Yanks and Red Sox. The White Sox would love to have Wells back if they miss out on Burnett or another top-line starter.

Jeromy Burnitz available? Maybe. He'll be one of those guys that would likely make it through waivers, allowing him to be traded in August. The Cubs like him, but will call up Felix Pie if the team falls out of the wild card race.

Back as necessary.

The world of blogs is still an evolving one, but with so many options on the web, I've always held the opinion that being more profane is the missing element that can set apart blogs from traditional media. We are still finding our way in regards to this concept, as Will and I realize that there is a fine line between being edgier and worrying about how our audience is going to react to more "adult themes".

While the site I'm linking to southsideadventures is not exactly the direction I want to go, I do think it's a unique site, breaking through the glut of your typical baseball blogs. I know most sports bloggers would disagree, but I really appreciate when the author shares some of their personal life, as it gives me a better idea of what this writer is like.

Behind music and comedy, magic comes in a close fourth in my list of things I love. I'm a big fan of close up magic and with my attitude, you know that Penn & Teller are faves. Still, I never expected Teller to sound like this.

51. Smashing Pumpkins- Siamese Dream (1993)
52. Green Day- Dookie (1994)
53. Urge Overkill- Saturation (1993)
54. Frank Black (1993)
55. Offspring- Smash (1994)

"Siamese Dream" had a sound like modern rock Boston. "Today" is majestic, while "Cherub Rock" demands you crank it on your car stereo. "Disarm" is awful.
When "Dookie" came out, Billy Joe's vocals demanded you listen to them, as this was the poppiest punk ever recorded. "Longview" and "Basket Case" hold up completely.
Urge Overkill had put out some great music on prior releases, but this is one case where having Albini and Vig produce was holding them back. Like Cheap Trick, Urge was a band, which needed clear pop crunch and on "Saturation" they found it. "Sister Havana" is one of the Top 10 alternative songs of the era, while the rest of the disc features singer Nash Kato's unique vocals. Check out the follow-up "Exit the Dragon", also.
When I first heard the Offspring, I acknowledged their talents, but couldn't truly embrace their sellout tendencies. Give me Bad Religion, I would've told you. Well, as the years have gone by, I'm more and more of a fan, as "Smash" is the greatest high school, drive around in your bitchin' Camaro, with your speakers blastin' music of the past 20 years.

56. The Call- Reconciled (1986)
57. Live- Throwing Copper (1994)
58. Cake- Fashion Nugget (1996)
59. Crowded House- Temple of Low Men (1988)
60. Del Amitri- Change Everything (1992)

Much like the next Dylan or next Jordan, there have been a lot of the next U2's. The Call and Live are the 2 best in this category. "Reconciled" is one anthem after another, with "Everywhere I Go" (with backup vocals by Peter Gabriel and Jim Kerr), I Still Believe, and "Oklahoma" the standouts. The Call's lead singer "Micheal Been is an under appreciated musical talent. On 'Throwing Copper", the band Live made a huge step up from their debut. The next 2 releases by Live, "Secret Samadhi" and "The Distance to Here" are worth checking out, as well.
Cake is one of the most unique bands on this list, as they blend funk, rock, rap, and Latin horns, which create an unlikely sweet jam. "The Distance" is another on the Top 10 rock songs list of the era. While they put out other good albums, there is no filler on "Fashion Nugget".
I would rate Crowded House and Del Amitri, the two most underrated bands on this list. Led by former Split Enz front man, Neil Finn, all 4 of their releases are of top quality. Their second, "Temple of the Low Men" is my fav., as Beatlesque harmonies are juxtaposed with some great dark songs. "Into Temptation" is a gorgeous ballad.
Del Amitri is similar to Crowded House in style and production, with "Twisted" and "Some Other Suckers Parade" just missing the Top 100. "Change Everything" is their best work, with some of the greatest dark love songs ever put on one album. Start with "Always the Last to Know" and "Be My Downfall".

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So the trade deadline looms in a couple of weeks, so I would like to get some feedback from you, on who is the top player on the trading block, who would make the biggest difference to a team down the stretch. Is it Jason Schmidt, Adam Dunn, A.J. Burnett, etc.? I realize that what the Braves need differ from say what the Nationals need, so explain the reasoning behind your choice.

People lie to me.

I know this probably isn't a revelation. Last time I was on ESPNews, someone emailed in a question that they used, regarding steroids, asking if I thought players told the truth when I talked to them. My answer was that yes, some lied, but for the most part, when they were anonymous and trusting, they'd give me enough information to tell what was what. In Zora Neale Hurston's books, she'd often talk about people coming together on porches to tell lies. It's something like that, the past usage of the word, that I don't mind. If it's the lies of the barbershop or barstool, the sourced insider can live with those. At some point, there's a difference between a lie and a fiction.

It's not always that way when it comes to day to day stuff. With UTK, I talk to probably fifty people a day, either by phone or email. Some of these people lie to me. Sometimes its by omission – they don't give me all the facts of a situation. That's fine. I'll take those and I think it's part of my job to "see the holes" and fill them in with other sources or in some cases, forensic analysis. Most of my work is puzzles and patterns.

There are two other types of lies that I see – those bold-faced ones of protection and those that are meant to send me in a direction that the other person wants. Very few people will out and out lie – telling me something isn't that is or vice versa. For me, the protective lies have to do with medical privacy or bumping up against the bounds of the trust I've built up with a source. Some tell me everything, some tell me nothing, but most are somewhere in between. The levels are always changing, but for the most part, I know where I stand with most of them.

Where it gets most interesting is when someone tries to direct or misdirect me. Michael Lewis did a great job of showing how it happens from the other end in Moneyball. I don't fault these people at all; it's a two-way street, as long as it's done honestly. There are some people in baseball that I have spoken with (check the tense there) that were interested in using me as an instrument of disinformation. If someone wants to float a trade, talk up a player, or get something whispering, there's a couple central points in that system of which I'm just a small one, but I do have my uses.

The problem is that I can't lie or even the lesser included offense of fabrication. As a journalist, I'm bound by not only personal ethics and morals, but by the morals, ethics, and biases of my readers. When the Pete Rose story didn't come to fruition exactly as we stated back in August 2003, people immediately said that we were "wrong." Since then, over and over, Rose himself has stated that between his meeting with the Commissioner and the release of his book, things changed. It went from a done deal, discussing action items and schedules, to its current state of perpetual limbo. On the day we published, it was right. Almost the second it hit the air, the story itself changed the facts of the story as reported.

Yet people continue to insist that I was wrong or worse, lying. If I were to take one of the lies that is given to me as knowing lies, I would burn at least a portion of the credibility I have built. Yet it's perfectly fine for sources to dance circles around the truth. There are variations on this, but all seem to be functions of news. Someone tells me something in hopes of putting an idea in either the fans or another team's head. Someone might want to get a reaction. There are times when I've done this when facts didn't quite check out or more usually, meet my standards of confirmation. Instead of ignoring what seems to be real yet substandard information, I'll toss something out as qualified – "I'm hearing …" or "People are talking about …", often in hopes of getting a better reaction, even if it's pure denial.

With Judith Miller sitting in jail while Karl Rove walks free – and no, I'm not going to get into the politics or ethics of the situation in this space – I am often left yearning for the time when what I wrote was fiction. I started my UTK journey not because I wanted to write a column about injuries, but because I was taking time to write what I thought would be a novel. There are days I'm tempted to start typing that again, or a short story about New York that I've had rolling in my brain for the last two months.

In a world where most of it is based on fantasy of another kind, I say gimme fiction.

Let me begin part 2 by mentioning that this project to list the Top 100, with some short write-ups has taken me over 30 hours so far. I had no idea how long this was going to take. Well, let's get to the next 30.

21. John Mellencamp- Scarecrow (1985)
22. Bruce Springsteen- Tunnel of Love (1987)
23. Elvis Costello- King of America (1986)
24. Lyle Lovett- Joshua Judges Ruth (1992)
25. Peter Gabriel- So (1986)

Up until 1985, he was Johnny Cougar, a creation by David Bowie's former manager. He had just started to be more of John Mellencamp over the preceding 2 albums. (see Pink Houses) Then came the "Scarecrow", making a large grab at Springsteen, Guthrie, and Dylan. This is the sound of middle of America.
"Tunnel of Love" is the most honest record a major artist has ever released about his personal life. Oh and by the way, the music is great, also. "Brilliant Disguise" is Springsteen's best relationship song.
The best alt. country record I've ever heard wasn't by Wilco, Son Volt, or Gram Parsons, it's by a British bloke by the name of Declan McManus. "King of America" is the most underrated release of Elvis Costello's career. Check out the lyrics of Brilliant Mistake.
How is it that country radio can't get enough of Shania's and Toby's, but have no room for the magnificent music of Lyle Lovett. There are at least 4 of his CD's I would put in my Top 200, but "Joshua Judges Ruth" is the peak. From spirituals like "Church" and "I've Been to Memphis", which demonstrate the talents of his great band and wonderful backup singers, to ballads like "North Dakota", this is a great place to discover Lovett. "And there is nothing so unwavering as a woman, when she's already made up her mind"--- (from She's Already Made Up Her Mind)
Every once in awhile, a great artist produces something that even the masses can't escape, which is what happened in 1986-87, with "So". Known for his atmospheric music, Gabriel kicked off the album with 2 funky singles, "Sledgehammer" and "Big Time". Add in 3 of the best ballads of the 80's, "Red Rain", "Don't Give Up", "In Your Eyes", and you have a piece of work that is smart and sensuous. (Ask Lloyd Dobbler)

26. Wilco- Being There (1996)
27. Pearl Jam- Vs (1993)
28. Beck- Odelay (1996)
29. Moby- Play (1999)
30. PJ Harvey- Rid of Me (1993)

While "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" is the one always on the lists, it's "Being There" which demonstrates Wilco at their best. Here is Jeff Tweedy exploring different musical genres, but always staying true to what he does best, the alt. country sound. Have you ever wondered if Alex Chilton and Johnny Cash made an album together, what it would sound like? Look no further.
The sophomore release by Pearl Jam is the best melding of their anthem rock style and their more artistic leanings. This and the follow-up, Vitalogy, pointed to the idea that Vedder would lead a band somewhere between The Who and REM. Unfortunately, like Radiohead, they have decided to step away from any commercial instincts, leaving U2 without competition for "Greatest Band in the World".
"You know where it's at---2 turntables and a microphone." Beck appeared from another planet on the excellent "Mellow Gold", but it's on "Odelay" that he will be remembered most for. A sound collage, which brings about every musical style together and somehow takes the diverse mix and makes it blend into great songs.
On the subject of blended styles, "Play" is right there. Not a fan of Moby's before "Play", his use of blues recordings that Alan Lomax had collected during the first half of the 20th Century is brilliant, giving techno the soul it lacks.
Polly Jean Harvey is a modern blues singer, who with the great producer, Steve Albini at the controls, came together to great effect. "Rid of Me" is the sound of a woman in heat, one who is vulnerable, yet strong, passionately in control, but always on the edge of flying completely out of control.

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Bobby Abreu hits 24 home runs, including several over 450 feet.

Dear Barry:

We're sorry. We'll lay off.

Your pal,

The Media.

In their current issue, Spin Magazine breaks down the 100 Greatest Albums between 1985 and 2005.

Since it was done by Spin, the focus of the list is alternative and rap music. This list prompted me to come up with my own countdown. The 3 elements which factored in making up my list were originality, influence, and most importantly, music that I could not personally keep off the list. Remember these rankings reflect Scott Long choices.

1. Radiohead- The Bends (1995)
Despite featuring Beavis' favorite song, Creep, Radiohead's rookie offering, "Pablo Honey" didn't really give anyone an idea of the two masterpieces that would follow. "The Bends" is one seamless piece of music, marrying U2 dramatics, with Beatlesque harmonies. Actually, this album reminds me some of Who's Next, with great rock songs, High and Dry and Just, plus delicate ballads like Fake Plastic Trees and Street Spirit. I can understand anyone choosing "OK Computer" over "The Bends", but how SPIN kept this masterpiece off of their entire list is by far their biggest omission.

2. Prince- Sign 'o' the Times (1987)
The best album of his career, Sign is a diverse collection of styles that no one else on this planet could have done. It's hard to name a better pop song, with a dynamic social message than the title track. The album as a whole melds funk and psychedelica, into a classic.

3. U2- Achtung Baby (1991)
After taking a lot of shots for being too pretentious on the underrated "Rattle and Hum", U2 made the most drastic stylistic turn that any major band has ever attempted and guess what, it's flawless. From the edgy first single, "The Fly" to the bands greatest ballad "One", Achtung was a statement that U2 was still the best band in the world. (Favorite song: Until the End of the World.)

4. REM- Automatic for the People (1992)
When they begin the begin, Michael Stipe used his voice like another instrument, so it was a question if the band was capable of writing quality lyrics. This is the album where they put it all together. "Man on the Moon" is a brilliant look at people who live outside the mainstream, while "Everybody Hurts" and "Nightswimming" are the two best ballads of their career. America's greatest band of the past 20 years.

5. Nine Inch Nails- The Downward Spiral (1994)
Darkness on the edge, in the middle, and all over the town. Trent Rexnor, who works like an industrial Prince, putting all the parts together in his studio, followed up his debut, "Pretty Hate Machine", with a concept album, which showed how anger could be filled with beauty and emotion. It's the best industrial album of all-time and it's difficult to see how it could be topped.

6. Pixies- Doolittle (1989)
Right from the start, with "Debaser", the Pixies shatter your eardrums with melodious distortion. While Nirvana made popular the quiet/loud dynamic, even Cobain would have admitted that the Pixies were a large influence on his band. Songs like "Monkey Gone to Heaven" and "Here Comes Your Man" sound better today than they did when they originally came out.

7. Nirvana- In Utero (1991) 8. Nirvana- Nevermind (1993)
Hard for me to rate one over the other, as "In Utero" sounds fresher, but "Nevermind" truly changed the world of music, as it opened radio ears to the best 3 year period over the airwaves in my lifetime. The little mentioned, but key aspect of "Nevermind" was the incredible wall of sound that producer Butch Vig added to the band's alternative hooks. As a follow-up to this ear candy, the band hired producer Steve Albini (Pixies) to add to the darker music of "In Utero" and as usual, Albini shredded the sound making it a different, but completely worthy follow-up to "Nevermind".

9. Radiohead- OK Computer (1997)
Rated Number 1 on SPIN Magazine's list, "OK Computer" began the band's direction towards electronic sound, as this concept album discusses how computers have dehumanized us. While the music is much different than "The Bends", both are most fully realized when listened to from beginning to end. On both this one and "The Downward Spiral", the influence of Pink Floyd is apparent.

10. Hole- Live Through This (1994)
Has one man had a better run of creating great music than what Kurt Cobain did between 1991-1994? While I'm confident that Cobain wrote most of the music on "Live Through This", Courtney Love deserves a lot of credit for the lyrics and the vocals she brings to this classic. On many levels, this album surpasses even Nirvana, as Love throws herself into her material, which is as emotional and as honest as anything I've ever heard.

11. U2- Joshua Tree (1987)
SPIN Magazine's second major omission, this is the album that put U2 on the list of great rock and roll bands, as "Joshua Tree" is alternative classic rock. The first three songs were the hits, but it's the next 6 that follow them, which make it so great. "Bullet the Blue Sky", "In God's Country", "Trip Through Your Wires", and "One Tree Hill" are songs that most bands would dream of writing, but were not even singles for U2.

12. Replacements- Tim (1985)
No album sounds more like college radio than "Tim", as Paul Westerberg even tipped his hat to the small stations on "Left of the Dial". While Prince was at his peak, producing epics in the Twin Cities, the Replacements were making very different, but just as compelling music in the same part of the country. On "Tim", Westerberg merged punk ethos, with classic rock touches, which made for a gem which both punk and alt. country bands have echoed since then.

13. George Michael- Faith (1987)
In case you might have forgotten, between the pop star Wham days and the bathroom blowjobs of more recent times, Michael made some great music. This is the best pop album on the list. "I Want Your Sex" was a song Prince would have released as a single, while the ballads have a jazzy feel that would fit beautifully on a Diane Krall release. I know I will get slagged for including it here, but it belongs.

14. Public Enemy- Fear of a Black Planet (1990)
While their first 2 releases set the table, it's "Fear of a Black Planet" which shows PE at their best. "Welcome to the Terrordome" and "Fight the Power" spit out their anger, with an intelligence that fit a band influenced by Malcom X. The Bomb Squad is at its peak, while Chuck D. raps with an urgency not heard before or since. It also features Flavor Flav's greatest moment, 911 is a Joke.

15. Rage Against the Machine (1992)
Influenced greatly by Public Enemy, Rage came out of the shoot with a chip on it's shoulder, but with the added bonus of Tom Morello's guitar pyrotechnics, which were the most unique since Eddie Van Halen. Every song is a bombtrack, as "Freedom" has a scream that Roger Daltrey would be proud of.

16. Pavement- Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994)
While "Slanted and Enchanted" is the one that sits on most of the lists, I've never been able to get past the lo-fi recording. On their follow-up, they polished the songs just enough to make for their most accessible and at the same time, best Pavement release. Amazingly for a band that main influences are the Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth, the song "Cut Your Hair" received radio and MTV airplay.

17. Pixies- Surfer Rosa (1988)
Sure the distorted glory of the twin guitar attack of Joey Santiago and Black Francis are fantastic, but my favorite part of the Pixies is the beautiful harmonies that Francis and Kim Deal blend. "Where is My Mind" was the first song I ever heard by the band and it's still my favorite. "Broken Face" and "Bone Machine" are harder edged tunes, but feature the same vocal blend.

18. The White Stripes- Elephant (2003)
The best blues-rock album since Led Zeppelin, Jack and Meg White are a bombastic wonder slamming the skins and ripping guitar chords, which sound new and old at the same time. Just when you think you have them figured out, the Stripes turn Bacharach on his head, with "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" or "It's True that We Love Each Other", which gives a preview of what Jack White would do producing Loretta Lynn. While the garage rock revival has brought some good bands to the forefront, it's the White Stripes which truly standout.

19. Green Day- American Idiot (2004)
The best concept album since OK Computer, this album just gets better with repeated listens. Part punk, part Beach Boys, part "Who Sells Out", Green Day demonstrates that punk bands can evolve. Drummer Tre Cool is the dominant player, especially on "Jesus of Suburbia".

20. Matthew Sweet- Girlfriend (1991)
From Beatle-like pop (Girlfriend, I've Been Waiting), alt. country (Winona, I Wanted to Tell You), and rock (Divine Intervention, Holy War), Matthew Sweet delivered a flawless performance. The twin guitar attack of Robert Quine and Richard Lloyd added a special edge to Sweet's hooks. Sweet has a couple of other releases just outside the Top 100.

21. John Mellencamp- Scarecrow (1985)
22. Bruce Springsteen- Tunnel of Love (1987)
23. Elvis Costello- King of America (1986)
24. Lyle Lovett- Joshua Judges Ruth (1992)
25. Peter Gabriel- So (1986)

Up until 1985, he was Johnny Cougar, a creation by David Bowie's former manager. He had just started to be more of John Mellencamp over the preceding 2 albums. (see Pink Houses) Then came the "Scarecrow", making a large grab at Springsteen, Guthrie, and Dylan. This is the sound of middle of America.
"Tunnel of Love" is the most honest record a major artist has ever released about his personal life. Oh and by the way, the music is great, also. "Brilliant Disguise" is Springsteen's best relationship song.
The best alt. country record I've ever heard wasn't by Wilco, Son Volt, or Gram Parsons, it's by a British bloke by the name of Declan McManus. "King of America" is the most underrated release of Elvis Costello's career. Check out the lyrics of Brilliant Mistake.
How is it that country radio can't get enough of Shania's and Toby's, but have no room for the magnificent music of Lyle Lovett. There are at least 4 of his CD's I would put in my Top 200, but "Joshua Judges Ruth" is the peak. From spirituals like "Church" and "I've Been to Memphis", which demonstrate the talents of his great band and wonderful backup singers, to ballads like "North Dakota", this is a great place to discover Lovett. "And there is nothing so unwavering as a woman, when she's already made up her mind"--- (from She's Already Made Up Her Mind)
Every once in awhile, a great artist produces something that even the masses can't escape, which is what happened in 1986-87, with "So". Known for his atmospheric music, Gabriel kicked off the album with 2 funky singles, "Sledgehammer" and "Big Time". Add in 3 of the best ballads of the 80's, "Red Rain", "Don't Give Up", "In Your Eyes", and you have a piece of work that is smart and sensuous. (Ask Lloyd Dobbler)

26. Wilco- Being There (1996)
27. Pearl Jam- Vs (1993)
28. Beck- Odelay (1996)
29. Moby- Play (1999)
30. PJ Harvey- Rid of Me (1993)

While "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" is the one always on the lists, it's "Being There" which demonstrates Wilco at their best. Here is Jeff Tweedy exploring different musical genres, but always staying true to what he does best, the alt. country sound. Have you ever wondered if Alex Chilton and Johnny Cash made an album together, what it would sound like? Look no further.
The sophomore release by Pearl Jam is the best melding of their anthem rock style and their more artistic leanings. This and the follow-up, Vitalogy, pointed to the idea that Vedder would lead a band somewhere between The Who and REM. Unfortunately, like Radiohead, they have decided to step away from any commercial instincts, leaving U2 without competition for "Greatest Band in the World".
"You know where it's at---2 turntables and a microphone." Beck appeared from another planet on the excellent "Mellow Gold", but it's on "Odelay" that he will be remembered most for. A sound collage, which brings about every musical style together and somehow takes the diverse mix and makes it blend into great songs.
On the subject of blended styles, "Play" is right there. Not a fan of Moby's before "Play", his use of blues recordings that Alan Lomax had collected during the first half of the 20th Century is brilliant, giving techno the soul it lacks.
Polly Jean Harvey is a modern blues singer, who with the great producer, Steve Albini at the controls, came together to great effect. "Rid of Me" is the sound of a woman in heat, one who is vulnerable, yet strong, passionately in control, but always on the edge of flying completely out of control.

31. Living Color- Time's Up (1990)
32. Soundgarden- Superunknown (1994)
33. Everclear- Sparkle and Fade (1995)
34. Sugar- Copper Blue (1992)
35. The Red Hot Chili Peppers- Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

Although their self-titled debut was excellent, "Time's Up" was even better, showing off their talents in many musical genres. Another influenced by Public Enemy, guitarist Vernon Reid is one of the best I've ever heard. Corey Glover's singing was just as great, which makes one wonder why neither one of them has had much of musical career since this release. One to Download: "Love Rears It Ugly Head"
Somewhere in-between Metal and Grunge was Soundgarden. Led by Chris Cornell's operatic vocals, "Superunknown" is the second of three top-notch albums they released.
At this point, Cornell's fixation on the sun, the waves, and blackness still seemed fresh. Definitely don't try to karaoke "The Day I Tried to Live"
Art Alexakis has been slammed for being Kurt Light, but while he's not as good as Cobain, he should be given credit for making some great music, which this album best demonstrates. "Santa Monica" is one of the 10 best rock songs of this era, while "Heroin Girl" and "You Make Me Feel Like a Whore" show the direct way Everclear's lyrics are.
I've tried and tried, but Husker Du just has never been something I've felt much passion for. Now, Bob Mould's solo work and with Sugar are a whole different story, with "Copper Blue" being the best. To me the ideal way to enjoy Mould is with the slick production values that are present with Sugar and this is a pop album, with distorted sound. "Good Idea" is the best Frank Black song, not written by him.
While always a great live band, it took an ace producer like Rick Rubin to help bring their talents to the recording studio. "Suck My Kiss" and "Give It Away" are the 2 best funk rock songs of this era, while unexpectedly, 2 great ballads "Breaking the Girl" and "Under the Bridge" give the record a different feel than they had shown before.

36. Dire Straits- Brother in Arms (1985)
37. REM- Out of Time (1991)
38. REM- Life's Rich Pageant (1986)
39. Bruce Springsteen- The Rising (2002)
40. U2- All that You Can't Leave Behind (2000)

Remember the days when a mature band could kick it up a notch and become superstars? Well, in the world of segmented music, those days are over, as modern marketing doesn't allow for guys who look like Mark Knopfler to become sensations in the middle of their careers. "Brothers in Arms" capitalized on a great chorus sung by Sting, plus a video that brilliantly satirized what marketing was doing then on MTV and the channel ate it up. "Brothers in Arms" is a song Roger Water's wishes he would have written. (Note: I HATE the song "Walk of Life", but the rest of the album is great.)
"Out of Time" was the release that put REM on the map, when it came to international stardom. What a time period 1991-92 was, with "Losing My Religion" fighting it out on the charts with "Smells Like Teen Spirit", "Alive", and "One". While none of them were radio hits, the last 5 songs on the CD are all magnificent.
Five years before this release, REM put out "Life's Rich Pageant, which is a transitional record for the band, with Michael Stipe clearly singing the words, but I'll be damned if I know what half of them mean. Whatever he was singing about, the result was some great sounding music, with "Begin the Begin", their best rocker of the 80's. Considering that Mellencamp producer, Don Gehman did the same on this record; it's not surprising the record has a Scarecrow-like sound. "Superman" is a hidden track and Mike Mills' top lead vocals with the band. "Fall on Me" has a gorgeous harmony and is one of their best.
After "Tunnel of Love", Bruce Springsteen had done some spotty work. "The Rising" is an album which speaks to the events of 9/11 more clearly than any other musician has done and is a triumphant return for the Boss. The first recording he had done with the E Street Band in 17 years, it is the best the band had sounded since "The River". Song after song are dramatic and filled with feeling that only U2 can match.
When I think of the TV concert for the victims of 9/11, it's Springsteen and U2 that stand out above everyone else. While not on the scale of Springsteen's comeback, "All that You Can't Leave Behind" was a return to the dramatic rock U2 does best. "Beautiful Day" has the energy and power that few rock songs capture, while "In a Little While" and "Walk On" are gospel-tinged pleas, which hit all the right notes. While it was written more than a year before 9/11, "Peace on Earth" said a lot more about the current state of our world than any jingoistic Toby Keith or Daryl Worley song.

41. Run DMC- Raising Hell (1986)
42. Eminem- The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
43. Eric B and Rakim- Paid in Full (1987)
44. Beastie Boys- Ill Communication (1994)
45. Morphine- Cure for Pain (1993)

Until "Raising Hell", rap played to just a segment of the population, but Run DMC changed that with their duet with Aerosmith on "Walk that Way". The album is a collection of singles, which acts as a bridge between the old school and newer, more hardcore rap.
Eminem can be hard to like, but his talent shines through these obstacles, especially on "Marshall Mathers". Funny, sophomoric, smart, vile, Slim Shady is a cartoon with a lot of substance. On the song "Stan", he raps over a little known (at the time) singer, Dido and creates the best single of 2000.
Outside of Grandmaster Flash, the early days of rap had MC's using party voices, like Kurtis Blow, Whodini, and the Sugarhill Gang. Rakim took it to a whole nutha' level. It could be argued that "Paid in Full" is the most sampled, most influential rap album of all-time and I've still never heard a voice more commanding in the genre.
"Paul's Boutique" is the trendy choice of critics, but I like "Ill Communication" best, as it's jazzy music blends with great rapping (I've got more action than my man John Woo, and I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew) combine for a more complete recording. Also points for the best video of all-time, (Sabotage) which was directed by the best in the biz, Spike Jonze.
Who says you need to have a guitar to be a grunge band. Led by a bass and a saxophone, "Cure for Pain" is a modern-day detective novel comes to life. Check out the song Thursday, if you need some proof. http://www.lyricsdepot.com/morphine/thursday.html

46. INXS- Kick (1987)
47. Ben Folds 5 (1995)
48. Rufus Wainwright- Poses (2002)
49. The Cure- Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987)
50. Depeche Mode- Violator (1990)

INXS had put out some good songs on their first 4 LP's, but with "Listen Like Thieves" (1985), the band made a statement that they were better than just being a part of the New Wave wave. "Kick" was even stronger, with every song laden with hooks. Michael Hutchence was one of the most versatile singers in rock history, as he proved with funk rock songs like "New Sensation" and "Wild Life", while completely delivering on a great ballad like "Never Gonna Tear Us Apart". One of the best groups of the era.
During a time when all alternative music seemed to be tinged, if not completely overwhelmed with grunge, Ben Folds debuted with an album that had the energy and attitude of the Seattle scene, but used a piano to rock the house. Somewhere between Joe Jackson and Elton John, Folds fit in sound, but his lyrics are often focused on what it's like to not be part of the cool scene. "Alice Childress" points to the influence of Brian Wilson, which becomes more apparent in his solo work.
While it might not reach the peaks of Jeff Buckley's work, "Poses" is a more complete record, as it is filled with gems that sound timeless. Rufus Wainwright has a very affected style of singing , but with the words and melodies he brings to "Poses", it works in some magical Beatles meets Sondheim style. "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" manages to be funny and beautiful at the same time, while on most of the other tracks, there is a dreany quality to the music, which blends wonderfully with Wainwright's voice.
Much like The Smiths and New Order, The Cure were a band that I thought made great singles, but I never felt they put together a top notch Long Player. "Kiss Me", while still having some filler, has so many quality songs that you can get past the fluff. While Scritti Politti made the quintessential British alternative Prince album (Cupid and Psyche), the Cure added some of these Prince elements, while making an even better record than Scritti Politti.
Another great singles band is Depeche Mode, but on Violator the singles are so great, they make up for the weaker tracks. "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence" are 2 of the best dance tracks of the era. The remixes are worth downloading.

51. Smashing Pumpkins- Siamese Dream (1993)
52. Green Day- Dookie (1994)
53. Urge Overkill- Saturation (1993)
54. Frank Black (1993)
55. Offspring- Smash (1994)

"Siamese Dream" had a sound like modern rock Boston. "Today" is majestic, while "Cherub Rock" demands you crank it on your car stereo. "Disarm" is awful.
When "Dookie" came out, Billy Joe's vocals demanded you listen to them, as this was the poppiest punk ever recorded. "Longview" and "Basket Case" hold up completely.
Urge Overkill had put out some great music on prior releases, but this is one case where having Albini and Vig produce was holding them back. Like Cheap Trick, Urge was a band, which needed clear pop crunch and on "Saturation" they found it. "Sister Havana" is one of the Top 10 alternative songs of the era, while the rest of the disc features singer Nash Kato's unique vocals. Check out the follow-up "Exit the Dragon", also.
When I first heard the Offspring, I acknowledged their talents, but couldn't truly embrace their sellout tendencies. Give me Bad Religion, I would've told you. Well, as the years have gone by, I'm more and more of a fan, as "Smash" is the greatest high school, drive around in your bitchin' Camaro, with your speakers blastin' music of the past 20 years.

56. The Call- Reconciled (1986)
57. Live- Throwing Copper (1994)
58. Cake- Fashion Nugget (1996)
59. Crowded House- Temple of Low Men (1988)
60. Del Amitri- Change Everything (1992)

Much like the next Dylan or next Jordan, there have been a lot of the next U2's. The Call and Live are the 2 best in this category. "Reconciled" is one anthem after another, with "Everywhere I Go" (with backup vocals by Peter Gabriel and Jim Kerr), I Still Believe, and "Oklahoma" the standouts. The Call's lead singer "Micheal Been is an under appreciated musical talent. On 'Throwing Copper", the band Live made a huge step up from their debut. The next 2 releases by Live, "Secret Samadhi" and "The Distance to Here" are worth checking out, as well.
Cake is one of the most unique bands on this list, as they blend funk, rock, rap, and Latin horns, which create an unlikely sweet jam. "The Distance" is another on the Top 10 rock songs list of the era. While they put out other good albums, there is no filler on "Fashion Nugget".
I would rate Crowded House and Del Amitri, the two most underrated bands on this list. Led by former Split Enz front man, Neil Finn, all 4 of their releases are of top quality. Their second, "Temple of the Low Men" is my fav., as Beatlesque harmonies are juxtaposed with some great dark songs. "Into Temptation" is a gorgeous ballad.
Del Amitri is similar to Crowded House in style and production, with "Twisted" and "Some Other Suckers Parade" just missing the Top 100. "Change Everything" is their best work, with some of the greatest dark love songs ever put on one album. Start with "Always the Last to Know" and "Be My Downfall".

61. Chris Whitley- Living with the Law (1991)
62. Robbie Robertson (1987)
63. Steve Earle- El Corazon (1997)
64. John Mellencamp- The Lonesome Jubilee (1987)
65. Sting- Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985)

It's amazing that Chris Whitley's atmospheric blues debut came 14 years ago, but it sounds as good today, as it ever has. Someone could make a great Western movie, just making videos of the dusty tunes on "Living with the Law".
With help from an all-star lineup including U2, Peter Gabriel, Bodeans, and, Daniel Lanois, Robbie Robertson's solo debut is another atmospheric classic. Robertson's smartly uses these artists to supplement his gravelly, Tom Waits/Leonard Cohen voice.
My favorite of a long list of quality recordings by Steve Earle is "El Corazon", which is even better than his prior effort, the excellent "I Feel Alright".
The underrated follow-up to "Scarecrow", there is not a clinker on "The Lonesome Jubilee". By the way, Mellencamp's "Mr. Happy Go Lucky" ('96) is just off the Top 100.
When Sting left the Police and released his solo debut, many critics attacked him. Well, 20 years later, this album really holds up, as the musicians Sting surrounded himself with, are amazing players. Challenging lyrics, mixed with some diverse grooves, leave it Sting's best solo record. "Ten Summoner's Tales" is second behind the "Blue Turtles".

66. Jellyfish- Bellybutton (1990)
67. Jason Falkner- Author Unknown (1996)
68. XTC- Skylarking (1986)
69. Lemonheads- It's a Shame About Ray (1992)
70. Jeff Buckley- Grace (1994)

Simply the purest ear candy ever pressed to a listening device, "Bellybutton" is a powerpop classic. The record that Badfinger and The Raspberries dreamed of. Jellyfish's follow-up, "Split Milk" is another gem, which has a Beach Boys meet Queen sound.
Jellyfish guitarist, Jason Falkner, made an excellent album with Jon Brion in the group, The Grays, after his original band broke up, but it's his 2 solo records which are his best work. His debut, the aptly titled "Author Unknown" is reminiscent of Todd Rundgren's best work. "She Goes to Bed" and "Don't Show My Heaven" are the standouts.
XTC produced some great singles over the past 20 years, but it's "Skylarking" which is their most complete record. Man do I love Beatlesque pop.
Some athletes are known as underachievers, as their production doesn't match their ability. Well Evan Dando is that to music, tantalizing you with his talents, but rarely putting together a complete work. "It's a Shame About Ray" is the exception, demonstrating his ability with a complete album. "Confetti" is the best Dando rocker.
I know many will question why "Grace" is rated this low, but I just think it's an incomplete album. I still rate it this highly, because of his influence on other artists and the transcendent nature of the songs, "Last Goodbye" and the cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Unfortunately, we will never know if he was the genius some claim he was.

71. Guns and Roses- Appetite for Destruction (1987)
72. The Cult- Electric (1987)
73. Faith No More- The Real Thing (1989)
74. Temple of the Dog (1992)
75. System of a Down- Toxicity (2001)
76. Perfect Circle- Mer de Noms (2000)
77. Queens of the Stone Age- Songs for the Deaf (2002)
Oh 1987, a world where Poison, Warrant, and Winger ruled rock radio. It still gives me the willies. Sure it was Nirvana that made the final purge of this pop metal plague, but it was Guns and Roses, which started their downfall. The pulsating energy of "Welcome to the Jungle" and the dark hooks of "Mr. Brownstone" are the best hard rock songs since Aerosmith's 70's prime.
Two other releases, which helped clear the Firehouse's and Slaughter's from the arenas were The Cult and Faith No More. "Electric" was a stylistic change of pace for The Cult, as producer Rick Rubin took it farther then the Zeppelin samples he used with the Beastie Boys and shaped an actual band to sound like Zeppelin, with "Back in Black" sound production. The Cult would never match this release. Its forgotten how fresh Faith No More sounded when they joined with new lead singer, Mike Patton. "Epic" truly lives up to its title, as "The Real Thing" was the first rap/metal album and it's still the best of the genre. Their remake of "War Pigs" is the best Sabbath cover, ever.
Another forgotten music moment during the past 20 years is the tribute to Andrew Wood, which brought members of Pearl Jam together, with Chris Cornell fronting them. Unlike Soundgarden releases, this features Cornell singing from his heart. Check out Cornell and Vedder singing a duet on "Hunger Strike". "I don't mind stealing bread, from the mouth's of decadence"
The best rock album of the past 5 years is "Toxicity". The elements to System of the Down's sound features thrash metal, jazz, rap, funk, and they somehow put all these ingredients together to create music that doesn't leave out the hooks. Unlike most other bands today, they are not afraid to address social issues.
Tool is one of the Top 5 metal bands of this period, but singer Maynard James Keenan's best album, was done by his other band, Perfect Circle. Mainly written by guitarist Billy Howerdel, "Mer de Noms" is goth rocker, with Pink Floyd flourishes.
"Songs for the Deaf" improves on Queens of the Stone Age debut, with a great rock sound, which features the best drumming of Dave Grohl's career. If you like this record, check out Masters of Reality's "Sunrise on the Sufferbus" (1993), which sounds similar, with it's heavy Cream-like sound. (MOR's drummer is the great Ginger Baker)

78. Shawn Colvin- A Few Small Repairs (1996)
79. Sarah McLachlan- Surfacing (1997)
80. Sheryl Crow (1996)
81. Dixie Chicks- Fly (1999)

82. Kelly Willis- What I Deserve (1999)
83. KD Lang- Absolute Torch and Twang (1989)
84. Alanis Morrisette- Jagged Little Pill (1995)

Here is my own personal Lilith Fair section. Shawn Colvin in the mid 90's put out two outstanding releases, "Polaroids" and the even better, "A Few Small Repairs". The best of all these chick albums from beginning to end. Colvin has a angelic voice that only Alison Krauss can top and Shawn's a much better lyricist.
Sarah McLachlan isn't a prolific artist, only releasing 3 studio albums over the past 13 years, but all them are quality works. "Surfacing" is her best, with the ethereal "Do What You Have to Do" and the sensuous "Adia" my personal faves.
After Sheryl Crow's debut, many questioned if she was a producer creation, with Bill Bottrell, David Baerwald, and Kevin Gilbert helping write and produce most of her songs. Well, on her follow-up, Crow does a female channeling of the Rolling Stones and shut her critics up, as it's the best work of her career. "If It Makes You Happy is a modern classic and don't forget the underrated "It's Hard to Make a Stand".
Today, the country charts are filled with foxy mama's, with MOR instincts. Don't put the Dixie Chicks in this category, as they are talented musicians with a foot in classic country. They have fought record companies and country radio, while still succeeding.
Kelly Willis is just another case of a great country singer, who receives little airplay. (see Lovett, K.D. Lang, Kasey Chambers, Kathleen Edwards, Steve Earle) "Not Forgotten You" is Willis at her best and "Got a Feelin' for You" is a smoky, sexy honky tonker.
Compared to Patsy Cline, I would argue this K. D. Lang record is more complete than any by Cline. "Pulling Back the Reigns" and "Trail of Broken Hearts" are amazing songs.
Like Offspring and the Counting Crows, I was not a big fan of Alanis Morrisette's music, but as time has gone by, I have come to appreciate "Jagged Little Pill". Kind of like a pop version of P.J. Harvey and Liz Phair, it's amazing that lyrics this edgy could sell 30 million CD's worldwide. Though her examples on "Ironic" are not true irony.

85. David and David- Boomtown (1987)
86. Counting Crows- Recovering the Satellites (1996)
87. Eurythmics- Be Yourself Tonight (1985)
88. Talking Heads- Little Creatures (1985)

One of the great one-shot groups was David and David. Like a West Coast version of Springsteen, David Baerwald's songs and vocals told stories about people "swallowed by the cracks".
Initially, when I heard the Counting Crows, I couldn't get past the aping of Van Morrison, but I've come to appreciate the artistry of the band. Their most complete record, "Recovering the Satellites" has some great ballads and their most alternative rocker in "Angels of the Silences".
The first couple of records by the Eurythmics were chilly new wave offerings, but with "Be Yourself Tonight", the duo showed their white soul side, with Annie Lennox belting out like a British Aretha. Fav: "It's Alright (Baby Coming Back)"
After a career of challenging listeners, the Talking Heads put together their most mainstream record, "Little Creatures" and it's filled with quality singles. "And She Was" is their version of The Cars, while the delightful "Stay Up Late" and David Byrne's gospel-tinged "Road to Nowhere" are delicious pop. Underrated record.

89. Ben Folds- Rockin' the Suburbs (2001)
90. Posies- Frosting from the Beater (1993)
91. Spoon- Kill the Moonlight (2002)
92. Badly Drawn Boy- The Hour of the Wilderbeast (2000)
93. Marshall Crenshaw- Mary Jean and 9 Others (1987)
94. Jude Cole- I Don't Know I Act this Way (1995)

If you noticed yet, I'm a real power-pop fan, so here are 6 excellent albums that you might have missed, which fit that musical genre. Ben Folds solo debut is a beautiful recording, which combines character studies like Costello, but music with pop flourishes like McCartney. "Annie Waits" and "Not the Same" are 2 standouts.
While the rest of the alternative scene and especially the Pacific Northwest were under a grunge tidal wave, a band from Seattle named the Posies were putting out power pop gems. They were generally ignored by the masses, but their fans know they are one of the best bands of the era. "Dream All Day" is the best song of 1993.
So you think there aren't any great power pop bands today, well let me recommend the last 3 releases by Spoon. Even though they are from Texas, lead singer Britt Daniel sounds like he is from Liverpool, but it's no Radiohead karaoke. I dare you to try to get the chorus of "The Way We Get By" out of your head.
Flying under the radar in the US, Damon Gough (AKA Badly Drawn Boy) is someone you should get to know. "The first track, "The Shining" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, with a wonderful French horn musical intro. Sgt. Pepper musical sound.
Marshall Crenshaw started his career with six excellent albums, with my favorite, "Mary Jean and 9 Others". "This is Easy", Calling Out for Love (at Crying Time), and "Somebody's Crying" are the standouts. Sadly, this CD is out of print.
Like an American Neil Finn, Jude Cole always had a hard time fitting a radio format, as his music is somewhere between pop and roots rock. While all 3 of his major label releases are excellent, "I Don't Know Why I Act this Way" is my favorite, as it's a rare introspective look at someone who knows there chance at stardom has probably passed them by. "Believe in You" is a Cole's career best. Currently, Cole, who was set to be Kiefer Sutherland's best man, when he was to marry Julia Roberts, is a partner with Sutherland in a recording studio and Cole has become a successful producer. Unfortunately, none of the music he has produced is as good as his own solo work.
95. Kid Rock- Devil without a Cause (1998)
96. George Michael- Listen without Prejudice (1990)
97. PM Dawn- Of the Heart, Of the Soul and Of the Cross: The Utopian Experience (1991)
98. De La Soul- Three Feet High and Rising
99. Daft Punk (2001)

In 1998, out of nowhere came a White trash cat from Michigan, who was equal parts Hank Jr., Grandmaster Flash, and Diamond David Lee Roth. Sure the guy was cribbing from everyone and every style, but who says this isn't as legit as Beck's collages. I have no idea what "Bawitdaba" was about, but it rocked hard. His subsequent follow-ups were progressively worse, but "Devil Without a Cause" made Bob Ritchie a star and gave him a chance to rest his head on Pam Anderson's 38DD saline feedbags. "Now get in the pit and try to love someone!"
While not the sales success of "Faith", George Micheal's follow-up, was a mature record, with only the great dance tune "Freedom 90" (one of the best video's of all-time), being Faith-like in style. Unfortunately, this was Micheal's last good release.
Despite being classified as rappers, PM Dawn was too musical to fit that narrow of a classification. The Cordes Brothers biggest influences seemed to be Prince, The Beatles, and The Beach Boys. "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss", with its Spandau Ballet's samples still sounds fresh. Later PM Dawn release, "Jesus Wept" is also worth checking out.
Unlike PM Dawn, De La Soul's music has not held up as well. When "Three Feet High and Rising" came out, it was the freshest rap album I had ever heard, with a blend of stoner-like raps, with Steely Dan and Hall and Oates samples. I still think the album is good and I appreciate its influence, so it just makes my Top 100.
Remember when Techno was going to take over the world? So how is that 2 guys from France (Daft Punk) would make my list? I answer it's the hook heavy sounds, which make them sound like a modern day ELO, with disco flourishes. 70's K-tel meets techno.

100. Liz Phair- Exile in Guyville (1993)/ Liz Phair (2003)

Another record that hasn't held up as well is Liz Phair's "Exile in Guyville." I still love the attitude and the lyrics, but the lo-fi recording is not aging as well. If I were to be honest, I would admit that 9 out of 10 times, I would reach for Phair's self-titled latest, over her debut. If you didn't look at a lyric sheet, you would wonder if it's the same person, as her 2003 release has a pop sheen, which is quite overwhelming. On repeated listens, it hypnotically makes you either love or hate it. Put me in the former category. "Little Digger" is a beautiful song, with a great story of what it's like for a young child to deal with divorced parents' dating life. Considering that 10 years ago, "Exile in Guyville would have been in my Top 20, I'm going to put 2 Phair recordings tied for 100.

NOTE: If you've made it this far, thanks for indulging me. Please feel free to put your lists in the comment section and begin to slam me or pat me on the back now.
-Scott-

Someone please, please explain this to me.

On second thought ...

(Seriously ... you have to hang through the whole thing. I mean, Carl working out ISN'T the bizarre part ...)

Lou Pinella, after another relief pitching disaster on Tuesday, told the press that he was planning on starting a reliever in Wednesday game and then would bring in a starting pitcher after a couple of innings. He decided against it when he got back to the park on Wednesday, but it was an interesting idea. My question is has anyone attempted this strategy on a scale of more than 1 game? I've thought before about how some starting pitchers have a hard time with the first inning and wondered if this strategy would work, as it might just be that they are too jacked up and would benefit from coming in during the second. Please discuss.

Also, if you weren't aware, SPIN magazine came out with their Top 100 CD's of the past 20 Years. (1985-2005) Over the next week, I will be putting up my list, so be thinking of your Top 10, as it should be interesting.

Considering that most teams have played at least half their games so far, I thought I would jump the gun on a mid-season report. I have posted my initial rankings and comments, with revision at this point. (CR) stands for current ranking and following it is my current reviews. Let's see how I'm doing so far.

1. Boston Red Sox- Best regular season record. (CR-5) Wouldn't be shocked if they finish at the top of the list, if Schilling comes back healthy.
2. New York Yankees- Another Wild Card wins the World Series. (CR-10) OK, they aren't going to finish this high, but if they are the Wild Card, they could still make me look good.
3. St. Louis Cardinals- Still the class of the NL. (CR-2) This one's was a gimme.
4. Anaheim Angels- Hitting and bullpen bails out starting pitching. (CR-3) And to think, many picked them second in the West.
5. Minnesota Twins- Santana is the most important player to his team in MLB. (CR-6) All the talk about the Twins being disappointing has been overblown because of the White Sox start.
6. Florida Marlins- Have the right elements to beat Cards in playoffs. (CR-13) Still have the right elements, but are right behind the Yankees on the underachievers list.
7. New York Mets- The NL Wild Card will resemble the 1967 AL race. (CR-16) I might just be right about the NL wild card race, but it doesn't look like the Mets will be sitting on top.
8. Chicago White Sox- The last 3 acquisitions in the off-season gives them a chance. (CR-1) The last 3 acquisitions have been great, but the improvement of Garland gives them 3 starters who keep them out of losing streaks.

Continue reading...

It's hard to get perspective less than a Jack Bauer away from something, but I can remember walking away from Live Aid knowing. I don't leave Live 8 behind with the same feeling, though I'm a far different person. I'm not young enough anymore to believe that the world is going to change the day after a rock concert and somehow, I feel like that's the difference. Bob Geldof, Bono, and the rest know that they can't hold a party and buy out the problem, no matter how great the party is.

Some in the reality based community are rejecting Live 8 and efforts like it as pie in the sky or worse, faith-based. Just before Madonna's set (surprisingly good - more on that later), Geldof walked out and showed part of the video that started him on his life's mission. Then he brought out one of the children seen in the video, now a quite pretty young woman. She looked a bit lost on stage with Madonna, but hey, she was one thing - alive. The image was phenomenally powerful.

The power of Live 8 will come in a week, when the collective focus of a generation will either affect or not affect the course of the eight most powerful leaders in the world. They have a chance to embrace hope or engender more cynicism than they can survive. Ronald Reagan knew enough to stay the hell out of the sights when a billion idealistic teenagers set themselves on a near-impossible quest twenty years ago.

Besides those that Geldof calls "the culture of defeat", many are saying that Live 8 was just a distraction from the real point. I think the point was driven home when one of MTV's vacuous hosts asked some frat boy what he learned. In his best Belushi voice, he responded "We gotta save AFRICA!" Maybe I'm wrong, but he probably can't find Africa on a map, can't spell G8, and has the attention span of an iPod Shuffle, but Geldof's party gave him one sentence that will likely come up time and again in his political consciousness: "I was at Live 8." Believe me, there are times when I've struggled for issues and thought back to another hot day in Philly and said "African relief" was important to me.

So how was the party? Was it the greatest rock concert in history? It can say yes with a straight face. I'll be the first to admit I can't ever imagine that Live Aid could be topped. Sequels are seldom better than the original. What Live 8 had was more artists, something of a quantity over quality. To me, there was no U2 moment, despite U2 playing. At Live Aid, U2 came out and just blew away the crowd, leaving everyone wondering who these guys were. Live 8 had no surprising reunions or secret guests. Pink Floyd was good, but exactly as we expected. Once the shock of seeing Roger Waters and David Gilmour on stage wore off, it was more nostalgia than rebirth. Keane was better than expected, Madonna looked and sounded great, even pointing at Geldof as she took off her jacket (a clear reference to her Live Aid performance), and The Who was the best of their generation. Green Day came the closest to a "breakout" performance, guttily taking on the Queen classic "We Are The Champions." Coldplay was a bit disappointing, not taking the opportunity to seize the crown of best band in the world, even for a moment.

The worst part was the coverage. I hear that the BBC and Canal-1 both went commercial free and locked in on one site, pipping in for highlights from others. MTV was simply old-fashioned, focusing on telling people how great the event was rather than letting us experience it. Focus groups told them that there would be a loss of attention after ten minutes and that Americans couldn't handle dead air. XM and AOL did much better, giving control to the user and a multi-channel, one-click experience that the Internet age understands.

I'm curious how the Edinboro concert will go and I'm curious of how the G8 will react, if at all. Live 8 didn't change the world yesterday, but I like living in the kind of world where it's worth trying.

I mentioned this before the playoffs last year and it only seems more evident in 2005. The AL is way better than the NL. If you don't believe me, check out the latest ratings by Baseball Prospectus. 2 through 9 are AL teams and I would aruge the notion that the Cardinals are the best team, considering they get to fatten up on baseball's Olsen twins. (translation-weak sisters) Further evidence, check out the dominant interleague record of the AL in 2005. Or how about the DC Expos being only a game behind the Cards and 5 and half games better than the 3rd best record in the NL? I don't care how many AL rejects thrive for the pitching staff (see Loaiza, Drese, Rauch), the Nationals are still only one year removed from San Juan and Northern France.

Want more, well let me offer up the worst division in the MLB, the NL West, where I suspect only one team will finish above a .530 percentage. There are only 3 NL teams, which could put up a decent challenge in the World Series, and 2 of them, the Marlins and Cubs are struggling to stay above .500. Sure, Roger Clemens has been unbelievable the past year and a half, but if he was still in the AL, I suspect his ERA would jump. I base this on his stats when with the Yankees and the formerly dominant NL hurler, Randy Johnson, struggles in NYC. I know this kind of rationale won't get me a job with Stats, INC., but it's the kind of analysis you get from a half-ass baseball blogger like myself.

Yeah, these things generally go in cycles and sure, there are more high salary rosters in the AL, but it's time to acknowledge how much better the junior circuit is. The White Sox, Red Sox, and Angels are the 3 best overall teams in 2005 and I would argue that the Twins and Yankees are in the Cardinals class. I would take any of these 5 AL teams to win the World Series, as they are currently composed, unless the Marlins put it together.

Sincerely, the Designated Hitter